Pharmacy Education, Practice, and Research in China

In China, students can get a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, which emphasizes pharmaceutical sciences. Coursework in these schools focuses on the more traditional roles of a pharmacist, such as compounding, dispensing, pharmacy administration, and laboratory activities. Graduate programs at the master’s (MS) and doctoral (PhD) levels are also available, with most focusing on studies related to the creation of new medicines. The focus in the field is beginning to shift toward clinical pharmacy at the present time. To accommodate the increased need for clinical pharmacists, new degree programs are being developed because of this shift. Additional non-degree training for working pharmacists is also gaining popularity. The Ministry of Education is thinking about making a master’s degree and/or doctorate in clinical pharmacy, like the American Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, a professional degree for entry.